Complex analysis, construct analytic f given Re(f)

Click For Summary
The discussion focuses on finding an analytic function f(x+iy) given the real part u(x,y) = sin(x^2 - y^2)cosh(2xy). Participants suggest using the Cauchy-Riemann equations to derive the imaginary part v(x,y), which leads to the conclusion that v(x,y) = sinh(2xy)cos(x^2 - y^2) + C. There is debate over the efficiency of using the Cauchy-Riemann equations versus an integral approach, with some expressing that the integral method can be tedious. Ultimately, the consensus leans towards using the Cauchy-Riemann equations for a clearer solution despite potential complexity. The discussion emphasizes the importance of mastering these methods for tackling complex analysis problems.
usn7564
Messages
61
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


u(x,y) = sin(x^2-y^2)cosh(2xy)

Find a function f(x+iy) = u(x,y) + iv(x,y), where v(x,y) is a real function, such that f is analytical in all of the complex plane. Find all such f. The attempt at a solution
I expanded using Euler's for sin and cosh which gave me

u(x,y) = \frac{1}{4i} \Bigg( e^{i(x^2-y^2) +2xy} + e^{i(x^2-y^2)-2xy} - e^{-i(x^2-y^2)+2xy} - e^{-i(x^2-y^2)-2xy}\Bigg)
Which I can simplify to
\frac{1}{4i}\Bigg(e^{i\bar{z}^2} - e^{-i\bar{z}^2} + e^{iz^2}-e^{-iz^2}\Bigg)
I don't think the simplification will be necessary to solve it but it shows that u depends on the conjugate of z. This makes me assume v has to have the same terms depending on the conjugate terms, but negative to cancel them out (else f cannot be analytic).
And that's as far as I've come. Simply looking at u(x,y) makes me pretty sure I shouldn't solve it 'conventionally' using the Cauchy-Riemann equations, got to be some trick to it. Though I don't know how to proceed.

The answer should be
v(x,y) = sinh(2xy)cos(x^2-y^2) + C \implies f = sin(z^2) + iC
 
Physics news on Phys.org
You don't really need to expand in terms of exponentials. Just use the Riemann-Cauchy equations:
\dfrac{\partial u}{\partial x}= \dfrac{\partial v}{\partial y}
\dfrac{\partial u}{\partial y}= -\dfrac{\partial v}{\partial x}

Here, \dfrac{\partial u}{\partial x}= 2xcos(x^2- y^2)cosh(2xy)+ 2y sin(x^2- y^2)sinh(2xy)
and \dfrac{\partial u}{\partial y}= 2xcos(x^2- y^2)cosh(2xy)+ 2y sin(x^2- y^2)sinh(2xy)

So you must have
\dfrac{\partial v}{\partial x}= 2xcos(x^2- y^2)cosh(2xy)+ 2y sin(x^2- y^2)sinh(2xy)
\dfrac{\partial v}{\partial y= -2xcos(x^2- y^2)cosh(2xy)- 2y sin(x^2- y^2)sinh(2xy)
 
  • Like
Likes 1 person
HallsofIvy said:
You don't really need to expand in terms of exponentials. Just use the Riemann-Cauchy equations:

Oh no Hall. You have it wrong. He doesn't feel like muscling-through the Cauchy-Riemann equations. I mean aren't they all suppose to be easy-peasy?

v(x,y)=\int \frac{\partial u}{\partial x} \partial y+\int\left\{-\frac{\partial u}{\partial x}-\frac{\partial}{\partial x}\int \frac{\partial u}{\partial x} \partial y\right\}

Think that's right. May want to check if you like stuff like that (not Hall, the OP I mean).

And I thought it was Dairy Queen.
 
Last edited:
jackmell said:
Oh no Hall. You have it wrong. He doesn't feel like muscling-through the Cauchy-Riemann equations. I mean aren't they all suppose to be easy-peasy?
It's a from a mini-exam that has several questions in 50 min, so yes, they are supposed to be relatively easy. There was another similar question that you could completely trivialize by looking at it for more than a second while solving it conventionally simply wasn't an option.

Maybe the integral doesn't take too long, will take another gander at it.
 
usn7564 said:
It's a from a mini-exam that has several questions in 50 min, so yes, they are supposed to be relatively easy. There was another similar question that you could completely trivialize by looking at it for more than a second while solving it conventionally simply wasn't an option.

Maybe the integral doesn't take too long, will take another gander at it.

No, the integral is tedious and messy to use in practice. My point was to emphasize that real-world problems are way more difficult to solve than textbook problems so best to get use to, and not be intimidated by tough problem-solving methods.

The integral is an instrument to test your knowledge about using the Cauchy-Riemann equations to solve your problem. Deriving the integral is I believe a clear indication of mastering that task. So the purpose of the integral is not to use it but rather just to derive it.

Oh yeah, almost forgot: use the C-R equations to solve your problem even if it takes you hours and forget about the mini-exam (my personal recommendation).
 
Last edited:
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

Similar threads

  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
3K
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
9
Views
2K